Antalya, Turkey.

HOME OF ATTALOS

History of Antalya :-

It is uncertain when the site of the current city was first inhabited. Attalos II, king of Pergamon, is believed to have founded the city around 150 BC, during the Hellenistic period, naming it Attalia and selecting it as a naval base for his powerful fleet. However, excavations in 2008 in the Doğu Garajı district have uncovered remains dating to the 3rd century BC, suggesting that the city was founded earlier than previously supposed. Antalya became part of the Roman Republic in 133 BC when King Attalos III of Pergamon bequeathed his kingdom to Rome at his death. The city grew and prospered during the Ancient Roman period.

Christianity started to spread in the region after 2nd century. Antalya was visited by Paul of Tarsus, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles: "From Perga, Paul and Barnabas went down to Attalia and sailed from there to Antiochafter preaching in Pisidia and Pamphylia" (Acts 14:25-26). The ruins of the 13th-century Seljuk mosque at Attalia was previously a Christian Byzantine basilica from the 7th century. The Great Mosque had also been a Christian basilica and the Kesik Minare Mosque had been the 5th century Christian Church of the Panaghia or Virgin and was decorated with finely carved marble. The archaeological museum at Attalia houses some sarcophagi and mosaics from nearby Perga and a casket of bones reputed to be those of St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra, further down the Turquoise coast.

Antalya was a major city in the Byzantine Empire. It was the capital of the Byzantine Theme of the Cibyrrhaeots, which occupied the southern coasts of Anatolia. At the time of the accession of John II Comnenus in 1118 it was an isolated outpost surrounded by Turkish beyliks, accessible only by sea

SUMMARIZATION OF ANTALYA : -

Antalya: with a history dating back to 133 BC and a name meaning “Home of Attalos” referring to the founder of the city Attalos, is a peaceful city situated at the slopes of the Taurus Mountains rich in scenic beauties and historical monuments.

Antalya which can be visited any season, is an indispensable touristic destination particularly during the summer. This "blue" city enchants its guests with its beautiful beaches and has the longest coastline in Turkey.

The most striking feature of Antalya are the terrific palm trees of the city which cool you with their shade and accompany you with their breeze on your way. Common in Antalya and adorning the city, palm trees are a sign of the mild Mediterranean climate of the city. Hot and dry during the summer and mild and rainy during the winter the city always gives the feeling of a warm home.

Known as “paradise on earth,” you will get carried away by the splendor of the stage of Aspenodos, the oldest antique theater of Africa and Asia, and behold the glorious stream of the world famous Manavgat waterfall.

The magnificent facilities in the city offer opportunities for many sports. Especially in a city famous for its golf it is only a matter of time that balls find their target.

Antalya, one of the leading tourism destinations of Turkey, with its ever growing potential and excellent nature invites its guests for an unforgettable holiday.

HOW TO GET THERE :- 

Located in the south, Antalya is Turkey's most popular tourist area. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, this coastal city offers many transportation options to reach the city.

You may reach the city by arriving at Antalya Airport near to the city center. The shuttles and vehicles of transfer services stationed outside of the exit gates provide convenient service and easy transportation to your holiday destination.

Alternatively, you may reach your holiday destination by taking one of the public buses leaving from the airport to the central bus station. Moreover, the taxis waiting at the airport are always ready to drive you to your destination.

Located at the junction of main roads the city can be reached after a beautiful and pleasant drive along the coast.

Antalya is a highly recommended city one should visit.

ATTRACTIONS IN ANTALYA :-

If you've come to Antalya, it means that you will have the opportunity to take part in many activities. Offered a variety of tourism alternatives, you can enjoy every day a different type of holiday.

The beauty of nature should be mentioned first. You may choose to swim in the blue sea stretching along the coast of blue flagged beaches under the warm sun or join a boat tour to explore the magnificently unique bays.

The world famous shores of Antalya; namely Aspendos, Olympos and Kas are available for both climbing enthusiasts and for those who want to enjoy the sun and the beach. These amazing corners of paradise are the first choice of vacationers who want to relax or have fun.

You can explore the several thousand year old history of the city by taking a tour at the Antalya Archeological Museum. In the meantime, the Termessos spas will share the secrets of relaxation and rejuvenation with you.

Golf being one of the most popular sports activities in the city, many hotels with golf facilities welcome their guests who want to relax and play golf on large and well equipped golf courses.

While natural rock formations and caves will invite you to embark on exiting adventures, various locations offering opportunities for outdoor sports such as rafting, diving, windsurfing and fishing will boost your adrenaline rush.

Welcoming guests throughout the year, Antalya with its Saklikent Ski Resort and Alanya Akdag Winter Sports Tourism Center expects also ski enthusiasts during the winter.

Antalya is one of the best representatives of the Turkish cuisine. It is highly recommended that you try particularly the bitter orange marmalade which is a local recipe of the region. You will not forget the taste of this delicious marmalade.

After a breakfast of delicious cheese, homemade jams and organic tomatoes you will feel energetic throughout the day. Local specialties of the Mediterranean cuisine such as stuffed zucchini flowers, toros salad and bean salad are awaiting you in Antalya.

It is up to you to choose from a variety of activities offered in Antalya. You will have a great time and leave with pleasant memories.

AMAZING EVENTS IN ANTALYA :-

One of the most interesting aspects of Antalya is that it is literally a festival city! Antalya stands out in the international arena for its major organizations taking place at different times of the year.

Among the city's most important festivals, the International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival offers screenings of worldwide renowned films to cinema enthusiasts for more than 50 years. Attended by many artists and directors, the festival awards the “Golden Orange” prize to winners of the film competitions.

The Antalya International Theater Festival held in May hosts theater groups from many countries around the world while National High School Theater Festival welcomes young talents from around the country.

The National Antalya Basketball Festival and Antalya Golf Tournament, awaited eagerly by sports enthusiasts every year, provide for entertaining activities in addition to sports competitions. 

The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival of Antalya brings together the works of notable artists from Turkey and around the world since 1993.

The International Sand Sculpture Festival in Antalya showcases amazing sand sculptures, made within a time span of 20 days, by notable international artists from more than 10 countries.